Union Cemetery Historical Society recognized with award for achievement in historic preservation
Union Cemetery honored with R. Crosby Kemper III Award by The Westport Historical Society
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 18, 2017) – The Union Cemetery Historical Society has been named the recipient of the 2017 R. Crosby Kemper III Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation. The award, known as The Crosby, acknowledges continued accomplishments in the promotion and advancement of the National Historic Preservation goals with respect to cultural and natural heritage resources and historic preservation, especially those which add benefit for the states of Kansas, Missouri and the public.
The Union Cemetery Historical Society (UCHS) was founded in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) with the intent to restore, maintain, and preserve the history of Union Cemetery which dates back to 1857. Currently, the society partners with the Kansas City Missouri Parks & Recreation Department to oversee tree planting, and headstone restoration and re-setting, in order to enhance the beauty and security of the cemetery.
Union Cemetery is Kansas City’s oldest public cemetery and has achieved the distinction of being listed as a part of the National Register of Historic Places. UCHS preserves the legacies and shares the stories of civic leaders, founding families and generations of Kansas Citians through self-guided tours of the cemetery and speaking at civic organizations. UCHS oversees documenting and ensuring the history of the families and their Kansas City contributions while also maintaining Union Cemetery as a public green space with walking paths.
An award ceremony will be held at Union Cemetery, located at 227 E 28th Terrace, on August 19 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and festivities. Additional information is available at www.westporthistorical.com.
About Union Hill
Established in 1857, Union Hill is one of Kansas City’s oldest continuous neighborhoods with more than 1000 residents. Union Hill is a true urban neighborhood, spanning 16 city blocks nestled between Main Street on the west, Gillham Road on the east, the 31st Street corridor on the south and approximately 29th Street on the north. Overlooking the downtown skyline, Union Hill offers convenient living surrounded by green space, dining, arts, entertainment, fitness and some of Kansas City’s major employers. Union Hill has a more than 30-year history of local ownership and solid development that builds on its 150 years of history. For more information, visit www.unionhill.com or follow the latest at on www.facebook.com/unionhillkc, @UHILLKC on Twitter and Instagram or call 816-777-5900.
About Union Cemetery Historical Society
Union Cemetery Historical Society (UCHS) was organized in 1984 under the guidance of the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. Its original purpose was to collect data about historic Union Cemetery and to gather biographical information about the people buried here. Since then, the society’s mission has expanded to include partnering with the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department to preserve and protect Union Cemetery’s grounds as well as its records. For additional information, please visit www.uchskc.org.
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